Big wheel will be turning Sunday

The Jacksonville Rotary Club has announced that the historic Big Eli Wheel 17 at the corner of Main Street and Morton Avenue will reopen for the season on Sunday.

The wheel, owned by the city of Jacksonville and maintained and operated by the Jacksonville Rotary Club with assistance from the Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club, was originally manufactured in 1907 by Jacksonville’s Eli Bridge Co. After travelling the world for 50 years, it was returned to Jacksonville in 1957. After renovation, it was operated in Nichols Park through 1985 and relocated to its current position in Community Park in 1986.

“Currently, the wheel is in as good of a condition as I have ever seen it,” said Jacksonville Rotary Club President Ryan Byers. “Two years ago, our club had a fresh coat of paint put on it and within the last year, a grant from our Rotary district allowed us to make several upgrades, including new LED lighting and more modern sound system. And, of course, maintenance from Eli Bridge and annual inspections by the state of Illinois keep it running very smoothly.”

The wheel will be open every Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. with additional hours for special events such as General Grierson Days and Cruise Night. The weekly schedule will continue through mid-October.

Rides are $2 a person. The wheel can also be booked for private parties and special events; inquiries can be made through info1@jacksonvillerotary.org.